Members of the phyllosilicate group include which of the following?

The members of the phyllosilicate group are characterized by their layered or sheet-like crystal structure, which results from the bonding of silicate tetrahedra and octahedra in a planar arrangement. This group includes minerals that are formed primarily from aluminum silicate layers, which can include hydroxide ions in their structures.

Among the listed choices, kaolinite, muscovite, and chlorite are all typical representatives of the phyllosilicate group. Kaolinite is a clay mineral formed from the weathering of feldspar and features a simple 1:1 layer structure. Muscovite is a common mica with a 2:1 layer structure and exhibits perfect cleavage, allowing it to be split into thin sheets. Chlorite, while more complex, also features a layered structure and is commonly found in metamorphic rocks.

In contrast, the other options include minerals that do not belong to the phyllosilicate group. For example, biotite and talc are phyllosilicates, but barite is a sulfate mineral with a different structure. Staurolite and sphalerite are not part of the phyllosilicate group either, as staurolite is a nesos